Day seven of the World Cup was scripted to be the day Spain proved that tiki-taka isn't quite dead yet, but instead they proved quite the opposite.

Here's what we learned on day seven of the World Cup...

Australia have some fight in them

The Socceroos were widely tipped to whipping boys in Group B and have indeed lost their first two matches. But results do not tell the whole story.

Against Chile, they were floored by an early flurry but fought back impressively in the second half. On Wednesday they were even more impressive, taking the game to the Netherlands for long periods in Porto Alegre.

(Image: Paul Gilham)

Tim Cahill, who netted a powerful header in the opener, was on target again here, rifling home a startlingly good volley with his weaker left foot. Unfortunately for Australia, he will miss their game against Chile after picking up a second booking.

The Netherlands are the tournament's great entertainers

With six goals flying in in their opening game and five more at the Beira-Rio, the Louis van Gaal's side are probably the neutrals' favourites so far.

Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben were lethal once more against Australia, but the defence didn't look nearly as solid as it had against Spain, with Cahill especially troubling Stefan De Vrij and Ron Vlaar. An injury to Bruno Martins Indi could further destabilise the Oranje backline.

It's all set up nicely for what should be a cracker against Chile.

Spain's era is over

The kings are dead.

Two games, one goal, two defeats. Nothing to cheer for, really. Just history made for the wrong reasons.

(Image: Shaun Botterill - FIFA)

Diego Costa could muster nothing. Andres Iniesta tried his heart out but elsewhere the spark was gone. Where once Spain fizzed and jockeyed, here they were snuffed out, a candle burnt to its base.

As the game wore on, Vicente Del Bosque stood alone in his penalty area, pensive, like the captain of a sinking ship. That's what this felt like. A brave new world is upon us.

The kings are dead. Long live the new kings, whoever they may be.

Chile find their rhythm in Rio

Jorge Sampaoli's side were not quite at their best in the 3-1 win over Australia, but still did enough in an early blitz to provide a hint of their ability.

Against Spain, they really clicked. Sampaoli opted for a back three, allowing his side more freedom to close down their opponents in the middle and front thirds. And close down they did, swarming around Spain like killer bees, utterly obliterating any fleeting rhythm they stumbled upon.

Further forward, Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez snapped at the heels of Sergio Ramos and Javi Martinez, pressuring them into mistakes.

(Image: David Ramos)

While Sampaoli labelled his side 'rebels' after the game, this was pure regimentation: these players have been drilled to run and chase and harass and crowd. Spain were below their best, sure, but Chile deserve huge credit for delivering the coup de grace in such style at the Maracana.

The Song remains the same

Cameroon haven't changed, Alex Song hasn't changed, some things just never change.

The former Arsenal man once vowed to be 'heavy duty', at least that's what Theo Walcott claims in his autobiography.

Alex Song stayed true to his word by performing a heavy duty elbow on Mario Mandzukic and earning himself a red card.

In the process, he also inadvertently proved that there are no greater truths in this world than Led Zeppelin songs.

(Image: Stu Forster)

Alex Song followed in the footsteps of his cousin Rigobert Song, who earned two World Cup red cards for Cameroon, proving that The Song Remains The Same.

Croatia vs Mexico - get the popcorn ready

There will be some cracking fixtures in the third round of group stage action, but this one could be a thriller.

Croatia will have to beat Mexico to go through to the next round, and Mexico keeper Ochoa will do his best to ensure that doesn't happen.

Expect Mexico to keep it tight at the back, but don't expect them to park the bus. They'll play a fast counter-attacking game just like they did against Brazil.

They have a realistic chance of finishing top of the group and earning themselves a more comfortable last-16 draw.